Afternoon Tea at The Merchant Hotel

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1. KR

   KeithR

   N. Ireland

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fabulous afternoon tea. Staff were attentive, professional and courteous. Food was of the highest standard and the surroundings were beautiful. The cocktail bar too was simply fantastic

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2. R

   Rosiposi

   N. Ireland

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   A little it noisy, but it was a busy afternoon. Service was excellent, except they forgot to bring milk after I had asked for it. Food was gorgeous. Lovely for a treat with a friend.

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3. LC

   LouC

   N. Ireland

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 20, 2023

   overall4food5service5ambience5

   Delicious food under beautiful settings! I always enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Merchant it is a real treat. I was disappointed that the service charge of £8.50 was automatically added to the bill.

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4. C

   Chez

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Absolutely gorgeous!! 5* Service looked after us as soon as we walked in, took our coats, and put napkins on are knees. Food was so nice, and the room was outstanding. Been to afternoon teas before this one has been the best so far 👌

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5. KA

   KarenA

   N. Ireland

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on March 17, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   I would highly recommend as a occasional treat only, as it is fairly expensive.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   N. Ireland

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 15, 2023

   overall2food3service2ambience3

   Very expensive for what you get. It was a nice experience but probably wouldn’t recommend unless it’s a very special occasion. Sandwiches were quite nice and the scones. Everything else was just ok in my opinion. Staff were nice but an extra 10% service charge on top of £45 odd per head was too much in my opinion. I’ve had better value for money and experience for similar things in cities like London which of course are known for being more expensive than Belfast. Made the mistake of asking for bottled water instead of tap and it cost almost £6/bottle (750ml) so afternoon tea cost £100 for two! It was also a Wednesday afternoon, had it been slightly more expensive at the weekend or something it may have been more justified. It was a belated birthday treat for a friend so they did throw in a little cake with happy birthday written on it which was a nice touch though I must admit. The place could do with some music. Perhaps a piano player or at the very least a CD or something with chilled or relaxing music. Live music for such rooms would be typical in other 5* establishments so I must admit I was surprised that wasn’t the case here. Overall it was a nice experience but unlikely to go back due to the price and value for money.

   Report
7. AM

   AMR23

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall3food3service5ambience3

   The hotel itself is lovely, lovely building and decor, staff were lovely but for the price I expected more in terms of the food, it was nice but nothing out of the ordinary. The gluten free sandwiches however were inedible the bread was like hardened weetabix, I’d recommend changing your supplier

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8. HH

   HHSo

   N. Ireland

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 10, 2023

   overall3food3service4ambience4

   The location was lovely, the staff were very attentive. The food was delicious. There was no music/piano, extra pastries/cakes on offer which was so different to previous times I've been to the Merchant Hotel.

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9. LM

   LisaM

   London

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 5, 2023

   overall1food2service2ambience2

   Waited for 10 minutes to be greeted/seated. Teapots were dirty. Didn't eat half the pastries as either not fresh or bad taste Was asked to clear space on the table myself by waiter. Not 5* expect from the merchant

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10. RM

    RitaM

    Berkshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    This was such a great experience! It is a tad bit expensive but, as a treat for a special occasion, it is totally worth it. The only comment I have is that we had to ask for our drinks (besides the teas) like 3 times. My husband got his cocktail AFTER the tray of food arrived, while two of us had our proseccos already and we were waiting for his drink to toast. Given that I was charged 10% service (on top of a significant bill) I genuinely don't think we should have reminded the waitress 3 times for a cocktail (which was fairly simple as well). The place was not packed either. I am gluten intolerant and I was catered for very well. It was my daughter's and the cake and the plate of chocolates with Happy Birthday written on it was just so so so pretty. She was very happy with everything. It was truly a very special treat for someone that likes this sort of stuff. I highly recommend it.

    Report
11. CP

    ClaireP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful food and exceptional service. We spent a really special afternoon at the Merchant and would be delighted to return.

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12. CT

    CorinnaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea. My wife is gluten intolerant and yet her afternoon tea nearly looked identical to mine. The service was excellent especially from Camelia who couldn't do enough for us. So glad the standards are still as high.

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13. f

    foodie

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing, and there was plenty of it! The tea selection was also great. It was my friend's birthday and they kindly brought her a slice of birthday cake as well, which was a lovely touch. The staff are very friendly and attentive without being overbearing.

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14. M

    Mary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My mother and I had a wonderful relaxing afternoon. We were extremely well looked after by all the staff and in particular by Laura our waitress.

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    Food was nice , well presented, staff very nice, overpriced

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16. MC

    MichelleC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely relaxed atmosphere which great food and friendly staff

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17. SK

    SamanthaK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A beautiful hotel with fantastic food, staff and service

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18. S

    Sinead

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience2

    Really underwhelming. The sandwiches were just OK, buns, the cream in the macaroon was horrible and I can make better scones...the tea was good. The ambience was nil and service stilted and serious. It would have been poor value at £49.50 per couple!!!

    Report
19. DM

    DeborahM

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful hotel with sumptuous food & very attentive staff. I loved the little boxes available to take away the left overs. Can’t imagine anyone eating everything. Was a lovely touch to take some home.

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20. GL

    GaryL

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 23, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    Compared to others we have experienced overall it was very disappointing and far too expensive, but lovely surroundings. The sandwiches were made from plain white bread and a seeded loaf, the selection of fillings were basic, the scones where rather flat and the pastries where small, tasteless and uninspiring. If you want a good afternoon tea go to Lough Eske Castle. You can learn from there. Wouldn't recommend and wouldn't return, even with the £50 voucher we had from from our last hotel stay which was given for more poor service. Unfortunately our Afternoon tea experience continued in the vein of poor customer standards which the Merchant Hotel have provided us with recently.

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21. SL

    SamuelL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful local experience. A great place for a respite on a busy touring itinerary.

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I ordered a gluten -free Afternoon Tea and was complimented with an entire array of gluten - free sandwiches, scones and petit-fours! Highly impressive!

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23. NL

    NicholeL

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Everything is good, just food taste a little bit lower than before. Hope did not change the chef. We understood that a lot of things has been changed cause Covid-19.

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24. GL

    GLENN

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Had a wonderful afternoon tea with a bottle of champagne. The service was impeccable by Karen very professional and friendly making sure we were well catered for,the whole experience was excellent.

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25. PN

    PaNa

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    It was ok as afternoon tea but nothing especial about it.

    Report
26. MJ

    MathewJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Visited as part of my fiancée's Birthday celebrations. Amazing food and great service definitely worth the money and will be back again soon.

    Report
27. JR

    JenniferR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous afternoon tea..Christmas themed ...sandwiches and pastries all so dainty and tastey. Service exceptional as soon as anything was needed the staff appeared at ur table before u even asked. Atttention to detail superb. Surroundings in great hall are beautiful....i highly recommend having afternoon tea at the Merchant. Booked for friends birthday and they brought out a lovely little birthday cake with candle such a lovely touch

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28. T

    Trotsky

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience2

    I was really disappointed that the Christmas decorations weren't up as this was the main reason for booking on that date

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Overall a fantastic afternoon had by all in my party of 4

    Report
30. GR

    GillianR

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great atmosphere and service. All staff were polite, knowledgable and helpful. Would highly recommend.

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had afternoon tea with my mum on Saturday 26 November. The sandwiches, cakes and pastries were fabulous. The staff were friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble for them. We would definitely return to the Merchant for afternoon tea. I notice a lot of people complaining in the reviews about the service charge - 10% is standard. The merchant clearly states on the menu that a service charge is included.

    Report
32. JM

    JoanM

    N. Ireland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    We very much enjoyed our afternoon tea, the food was beautiful with plenty of variety. We enjoyed our cocktail, we would have appreciated it more later in the service. Overall excellent experience.

    Report
33. AM

    AliceM

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had the presence option. Was very good, only draw back was the service charge they added to the bill. £14. Just a wee bit excessive considering the already high price. We asked for our change and left a tip. It wasn't £14.

    Report
34. CP

    ChristineP

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience4

    The food wasn’t great to be honest. The desserts were very poor. There was only 1 dessert that was nice, the rest I took home but threw them out. It was disappointing to find when paying the bill, almost £10 was added on top for a service charge! When you are paying £46.50 each for a high tea you would expect the service to be included in that charge as at the end of the day you are mainly paying for the experience not the food. If I compare to a few years ago, the food was better, the service was better and you even got free top up of sandwiches, whereas you seem to have reduced the food quality, the service and you charge for any additions. It’s definitely not something I would rush back for!

    Report
35. MM

    MichelleM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    The Merchant did not disappoint - it was a lovely and special venue for my Mum's birthday.

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Could not fault the selection of sandwiches and sweet treats. Staff were also very attentive throughout our stay.

    Report
37. AS

    AnneS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    Food was lovely, however we were charged an extra £17.90 even though I was using a voucher for ‘Afternoon Tea for Two’ and we had the basic option. Surely the voucher should have covered the bill? I won’t be rushing back as I feel I was deceived by the hotel.

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38. TG

    TravelGrip

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Professional and friendly staff, taking real good care of the guests. Tasty tea and bites.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Natasha & Erin were fantastic & looked after us to the highest class. The food was gorgeous & well displayed. Would highly recommend & will definitely be back

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40. GT

    GillianT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Exactly how you would expect from this top end venue. The Merchant is a class hotel with very high standards and this visit did not disappoint.

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